Climate change is killing the plants of Uluṟu‑Kata Tjuṯa: Aṉangu traditional owners are concerned
When we hear that climate change is damaging natural environments, it conjures images of rising seas eroding coastlines, or heat waves bleaching the Great Barrier Reef. But what about deserts?
Climate change is causing significant plant dieback at Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park, according to Aṉangu traditional owners who are the custodians of this World Heritage-listed desert in Australia. Between 2018 and 2021, the most severe drought on record led to the death of various plant species such as kurkaṟa (desert oak), wanaṟi (mulga), and pukaṟa (desert heath myrtle).
While 78% of kurkaṟa survived, only 10% of pukaṟa survived, indicating that different plant species have varied resilience to hot droughts. The researchers discovered that plants with lower dieback rates slowed their growth and conserved water, whereas those with higher dieback rates continued using water for growth during summer, making them more susceptible to dehydration and death during severe droughts.
Aṉangu and scientists have been collaborating to understand the effects of climate change on Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa's unique flora and fauna, as these plants are essential for the survival of numerous animal species and the overall health of the ecosystem.
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